A plain-language walk-through of the three NDIS budgets — Core, Capital and Capacity Building — what each one pays for, and how to make them work together.
The three NDIS budgets
An NDIS plan is split into three budgets, each with different rules about what they pay for and how flexible the money is.
1. Core Supports — your most flexible budget
Core funds the day-to-day stuff. It’s split into four categories — Assistance with Daily Life, Social and Community Participation, Consumables, and Transport — but most of the money is flexible across these four. That means if you don’t use much in one, you can use more in another.
2. Capital — for one-off purchases
Capital funds equipment and modifications. It is NOT flexible — funding is allocated for specific items, often with a quote and NDIA approval before purchase.
3. Capacity Building — for skill-building
Capacity Building funds therapy and supports designed to build your skills and independence.
How to make it stretch
Three things our families consistently find help: use Core flexibility, cluster shifts together, and track spending each quarter so you have evidence for the next plan review.